Midweek Music Update: Wednesday 11 February 2026
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Welcome to this fortnight's round-up of news, commentary and industry announcements that you may have missed from the past few weeks.
If you are looking for advice in relation to any of the issues mentioned, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Legal updates
Publishers file new Anthropic suit adding piracy claims and $3 billion in damages (Reuters)
MLC and Pandora Media both file for summary judgment in mechanical royalty dispute (MBW)
UMG and ABKCO win copyright case as US judge rules "hot takes" are not fair use (CMU)
Songwriter sues Paramount seeking compensation for writing Rihanna song in Smurfs film (Complex)
Martin Shkreli files counter suit against RZA to confirm copyright ownership (Rolling Stone)
Songwriters voluntarily withdraw claims against Tyla over "Water" (Billboard)
Anna's Archive formally placed in default after failing to respond to lawsuit (MBW)
In the news
New Official Classic Chart launched to spotlight new classical releases (Official Charts)
Blackstone sell portion of Recognition Music catalogue to Sony for over 200m (MBW)
BMG reportedly in talks to purchase Concord (Music Week)
Spotify publish policy roadmap with "a shared path forwards" (L&C by Spotify)
Apple VP reports Apple Music demonetised up to 2bn fraudulent streams in 2025 (Music Ally)
ECSA and GESAC organise discussion on ending coercive buy out practices (ECSA)
Spotify announce $11 billion payout to the music industry (Spotify for Artists)
Feature and commentary
Report by EMMA explores touring profitability, artist funding and earnings (Music Week)
Universal and Suno's battle over AI music (MBW)
The Brit school and how their stars took over the Grammys (Guardian)
The 6 key arguments and why Anthropic lawsuit is so significant (MBW)
Industry changes and developments
Ivors Academy announce launch in Ireland as a "natural next step" (Music Week)
Sacem drops administration rate for online rights down to 7% (Record of the Day)
California assembly member proposes 10% price cap on ticket resale through Fan First Act (CMU)
Government support package for pubs to include many grassroot live music venues (Gov.uk)
